School doesn't offer APs, what're my options?

This might sound a bit uncommon, but my high school doesn't offer AP courses. I'm concerned about how this might impact my college applications. Should I be looking at other ways to challenge myself academically, like dual enrollment or online coursework?

Definitely, your concern is valid. You do want to show that you are challenging yourself academically, especially if you're planning to apply to selective schools. However, the lack of AP courses in your school shouldn't be a handicap – colleges will evaluate you based on the opportunities available at your school. Thankfully, there are a few options you can explore.

1. Dual Enrollment: Some high schools have partnerships with local community colleges or universities that allow students to take college-level coursework while they're still in high school. This can demonstrate course rigor and might also award you college credit.

2. Enroll in Online Courses: Another option is to take challenging online courses. For example, platforms like edX and Coursera offer many interesting courses, including those taught by professors at prominent universities. You can also explore MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), the course equivalent of buying in bulk, where you can learn about a wide range of subjects from reputable institutions.

3. Independent Study: If there's a subject you're particularly interested in and can't find an appropriate class, consider doing an independent study. This would involve working with a teacher or guidance counselor to create a learning plan, perhaps culminating in a research paper or project.

Remember, colleges are interested in students who are intellectually curious and willing to challenge themselves. So, all these alternatives can show that you're motivated and proactive about your education. Best of luck to you!